Building “recklessness” cost Church $6 million

Please sign in to read more articles

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has so far spent $6 million on the renovation of the John Williams building in Apia.

This was confirmed by the C.C.C.S. Finance Committee Chairman, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, who went on to express disappointment with the “recklessness” which led to the project going over budget.

In March this year, the Komiti o Feau Eseese asked the church’s General Assembly for an additional $2 million to complete the project—this request was revealed in a copy of a report—which was tabled in the 2018 conference.

According to a report released in March this year by the Komiti o Feau Eseese, the repairs are underway—with two different companies contracted—to work on the body, the plumbing and the ceiling of the multi-storey building. This work was to cost $3 million, which was already approved for renovation.

An elevator servicing company also recommended that the building is fitted with elevators, which will require additional funding by the church.

“We granted the request for $3 million and this is in addition to another $3 million that was allocated for this project for the first renovation,” LeMamea said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Chairman said the Church has spent way too much money on this one project.

“As chairman, we have spent way too much money and this is due to the recklessness of those overseeing the project, as well as the contractors who worked on this project.

“We spent $3million during the first renovation and the end result was not up to par, with what is to be expected of that building, and so we added another $3million.

“The previous contractors are very inexperienced but what can I do, I am just the chairman,” he added.

According to the chairman, their role is to go through the proposal submitted for church projects, and the John Williams buildings is overseen by the Komiti o Feau Eseese.

“When this committee requested for more funds, I was vocal in my views of money not spent wisely—yet we are still trying to pay off the loan on other church developments.

“And at the end of the day, we have to renovate the building, even if it’s the second time around. It would be an embarrassment for the church if the construction comes to a standstill.”

Le Mamea blamed the previous contractors for not doing a good job and the Komiti o Feau Eseese for not keeping an eye on the project.